Markets & Finance

Merrill Adds General Electric to Focus One List

March 25, 2004

Merrill Lynch added General Electric (GE) to its Focus One list and reiterates buy.

Analyst John Inch says GE's stock has been under pressure due to arbitrage activity surrounding the Amersham deal (now in the fourth day of a 10-day pricing period). He believes investors should take advantage of artificial pressure, which could persist through Apr. 8 (the date the deal closes), and shortly thereafter as Amersham investors adjust portfolios.

Inch estimates there could be an additional supply of 15 million GE shares on the market every day over this 10-day pricing period. He thinks GE is well positioned to outperform the market this year, based on expectations for strong earnings per share growth He has a $36 price target.